Two South Sudanese pastors appeared in court in Khartoum on Sunday. They are accused of various crimes against the state, charges that could bring the death penalty if the court finds them guilty.

Yat Michael and Peter Yein, both pastors of the Presbyterian Evangelical Church, have remained in jail for about five months. Among the charges brought against the two church leaders are 'waging war against the state' under Article 51 of the Sudan Penal Code, which is punishable by death, and spying, under Article 53, which is punishable by death or life imprisonment.

The court in Khartoum resumed hearings on Sunday at which a representative of the National Intelligence and Security Service testified, a source said.

The source said the security officer was unable to provide evidence to prove the charges against the two men:“The representative could not establish the evidences. He was unsure of the chargers.”

The attorney defending the pastors also said that the accuser could not provide evidence.

“The court hearing will continue tomorrow,” another source said.

Yat Michael was arrested on 21 December 2014 after visiting a church service in Khartoum, and Reith was arrested on 11 January after submitting a letter from leaders of their denomination inquiring about the whereabouts of Michael.

Photo: Rev. David Yein